Marching towards a healthy future

The rationalisation of hospital services some years ago is still a bone of contention.

Almost five years since the decision was made by the provincial Department of Health, to re-establish Newcastle Provincial Hospital as a mother and child facility, the community is reigniting protests against transfer of primary services to Madadeni Hospital.

In early 2017, a widescale march against the rationalisation is on the cards.

The Newcastle Advertiser made contact with Vish Sibran, the man behind what has been termed ‘a peaceful march to get the Newcastle Provincial Hospital reonened to the public’.

“People are dying on their way to Madadeni Hospital; pensioners are too old to travel far distances to use Madadeni’s facilities and it would also benefit all who live closer to the CBD and surrounds.”

Mr Sibran notified residents of his intent via social media in November, and said the response from the community was heartening thus far.

He claimed to have around 1 200 people expressing their interest.

Although the march might only materialise in January next year, Mr Sibran said he would deal with the Department of Health afterwards, as it had ignored ‘the cry of the people not heard for years’.

“People not affected are sitting on the board. From the beginning, the hospital was run very efficiently and considered like a private hospital. Why can’t we go back and do a survey to see how many people died or became bedridden because of the move?”

The Newcastle Provincial Hospital referred queries to the provincial Department of Health, and spokesman, Sam Mkhwanazi responded last week, but failed to answer any questions relevant to the march and Mr Sibran’s points.

He instead reiterated the hospital was a mother and child public health facility.

“It provides the following health care services: maternal and gynaecological services, medical paediatric services, paediatric services and paediatric rehabilitation services.”

Although the Department of Health failed to provide answers, the Democratic Alliance has promised its full support to Mr Sibran and the march concept.

DA Member of the Provincial Legislature, Dr Imran Keeka elaborated on Tuesday.

“The DA is at the forefront of this issue. In the Provincial Legislature, I reminded Dr [Sibongiseni] Dhlomo of the plight of Newcastle east and west.”

Dr Keeka raised a similar point in April, at the revealing of the KwaZulu-Natal Health Budget, and was informed the rationalisation of services should never be mentioned again.

According to Dr Keeka, it was made clear the decision would never be undone.

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However, both the community and the DA stated they were not deterred, and would push at least for the establishment of a full casualty unit.

“We also want additional services put in place so people in town won’t have to travel long distances for chronic treatment. Madadeni Hospital has also had its maternity services terminated, which conversely means patients have to travel to Newcastle.”

He described the situation as heart-wrenching.

Dr Keeka said the protests from civil society were welcomed by the DA, and he would stand at the head of the march and lend his full support to it.

“We can assist with the process and achieve better quality of life for all residents of Newcastle.”

Asked what it would take to restore full services to Newcastle Provincial Hospital, Dr Keeka responded that frequent, constant reminders from all sectors would prove a point.

That point – rationalisation was not in the best interests of Newcastillians.

“We are using all the legal processes available but Dr Dhlomo remains seated and refuses to change. He must see the people come first, and be ready to overturn bad decision when necessary.”